Scaffolding gives construction and maintenance workers access to elevated work areas, often the exterior of a building. It provides a safe, stable work platform. But not all scaffolds are the same. With so many types of scaffolding systems available, it pays to understand the differences and choose the right scaffolding system for the job.

The best choice will depend on factors including your budget, the height of the work, the load, the available space around the structure and how long you expect the project to take.

What are the different types of scaffolding?

The most common types are supported scaffolding and suspended scaffolding. Both are described below.

Supported scaffolding

Supported scaffolding is a raised horizontal platform on a network of rigid, load-bearing structures anchored to the ground. This type of scaffold tends to be sturdy and can be reinforced to accommodate heavy equipment and additional workers. Below are some standard types of supported scaffolds.

Frame scaffold: Good for long-term projects

This scaffolding is stationary and built from the bottom up. An inexpensive option for long-term projects, frame scaffolds can support multiple workers and equipment. They are popular for painting and stucco work. Because they require a lot of space, they aren’t the best choice for tight spots.

Mast climber scaffold: Suitable for heavy loads

Mast climbers, named because they resemble a ship’s mast, are ideal for heavy loads. They use a power-operated platform on a stationary or mobile base that can be adjusted to the height of the task. With their small base, they can fit into tight spaces.

Systems scaffold: Highly versatile and quick to erect

Systems scaffolding, also called modular scaffolding, consists of prefabricated vertical, horizontal and diagonal posts and tubes that can be easily connected. It can be erected quickly, saving time and money.

Tubular scaffold: Strong, flexible support for heavy loads

Tubular scaffolding, often used for work on tall buildings, employs a network of steel pipes that provides a strong structure for heavy loads. Because it can be assembled to the desired width and height, it’s more flexible than some other types of scaffolding, though it does require more time to set up.

Mobile or rolling scaffold: Easy to reposition

Set on castors, this scaffolding can be rolled on an even surface to another section of work. It’s ideal for exterior and interior jobs that require changing positions frequently.

Ladder jack scaffold: Suitable for light jobs at ladder height

A ladder jack scaffold provides a stable platform suspended between two portable ladders by triangle-shaped brackets called ladder jacks. It is quick and easy to set up and suitable for light jobs such as maintenance or touch-ups at ladder height.

Trestle scaffold: Self-supported platform popular for painting

A trestle scaffold uses a framework of tripods to support a work platform. These scaffolds provide better stability than ladder jacks and mobile scaffolds since they are self-supported and rest firmly on the ground. Trestle scaffolding is an easy and inexpensive way to create an elevated platform suitable for light-duty jobs such as painting.

Pump jack scaffold: Good for small one- or two-person tasks

A pump jack scaffold is supported by moveable brackets on vertical poles. Like a car jack, it’s easily adjusted. It works well for small siding and painting jobs and other small tasks at variable heights.

Suspended scaffolding

A suspended scaffold consists of a platform with a guardrail system hung from an overhead structure. Most of these scaffolds are supported by ropes and use an electric hoist motor to position the platform to the task height.

Suspended scaffolding is a good choice for exterior work at the upper floors of a building or when erecting supported scaffolding is not practical. Window washers and repair and maintenance contractors often use suspended scaffolding. Here are some common types:

Single (putlog) scaffold: Good for bricklaying

The single scaffolding system, known as the bricklayer’s scaffold, uses a system of putlogs inserted into holes in the wall to support the scaffold platform. It is very sturdy and requires few components, but it can delay work since it is built with the structure and requires patching to fill the holes at completion.

Cantilever scaffold: Suitable for hard-to-reach areas

Also known as needle scaffolding, cantilever scaffolding uses timber extended from a building wall, supported on one end only, as the work surface. Cantilever scaffolding is a go-to choice when a scaffold built from the ground up isn’t possible and the work area is hard to reach. It may be used to access work on sloping roof and stairs, for example.

Swing stage scaffold: Popular for high-rise construction and window washing

Swing stage scaffolding is one of the more common types of suspended scaffolding. Attached to the exterior of a building, it’s suspended from a rooftop by ropes or chains attached to stirrups on each side of a lightweight platform. A powered swing stage scaffold can move up to 1500 pounds of personnel and materials at speeds of up to 35 feet per minute. It is commonly used in high-rise construction and by window washers.

Catenary scaffold: Popular for bridge and offshore rig work

This scaffolding relies on horizontal, parallel ropes attached to structural building supports or beams to support a work platform. It’s used for accessing structures of various shapes. Compared to some other types of scaffolding, it requires little time and labor to construct and reposition. It’s frequently used for bridge construction and maintenance work and work on offshore rigs.

Float (ship) scaffold: Popular for maintenance and renovation jobs

Float scaffolds “float” from an overhead support, such as a beam. The platform rests on two parallel bearers secured to the overhead support by ropes or chains. This type of scaffolding can accommodate up to three workers and is ideal for light-duty work such as maintenance on the exterior of buildings.

Scaffolding vs. shoring

Scaffolding is purpose-built to provide workers with a place to stand and keep equipment for completing tasks at height. In contrast, shoring is a system of walls and beams that provides stability to a structure under construction or renovation. The main purpose of a shoring scaffold is to hold the structure steady, but decks and rails can be added so personnel can safely access work areas.

Scaffolding safety and training

Scaffolds are essential to countless tasks. Choosing the best scaffolding system for your project from among the many types of scaffolding systems available will help you get the job done faster, more easily and more cost-effectively. Scaffold safety training will help you get it done safely.

Falls from scaffolds are not uncommon and often result in injury or death. OSHA requires contractors to comply with guidelines for the safe use of scaffolding systems and to train anyone who may work on scaffolds about the hazards.

United Rentals offers a 45-minute online scaffolding safety training course that covers topics including how to erect, use, move and inspect the different types of scaffolding, the hazards associated with them and how to identify fall protection equipment required.

Visit our online marketplace to browse our selection of scaffolding systems.